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New Jersey has toughened its jury tampering laws in regards to court proceedings that involve serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping and sexual assault.

A measure signed into law Saturday makes jury tampering a first-degree offense if someone uses threats or force against an official involved in the court proceedings of crimes included in the state's ``No Early Release Act." If convicted, offenders will face jail terms of 10 to 20 years and up to $200,000 in fines.

The measure (A-3526), which took effect immediately, was part of a major anti-crime initiative intended, among other things, to target gang activity. It was signed into law by Senate President Richard Codey, who was acting governor while Gov. Jon Corzine was out of state.